Category Archives: Oct 2018

The Feast of Sts Chastan and Imbert was celebrated with a Triduum which began on Sept 20 and concluded with the Feastday celebration on Sept 23. This year, the celebration was special as the relics of our Martyrs were available for veneration. The veneration was held before Mass on Saturday and after Mass on Sunday.

The first day of the Triduum focused on discipleship. Fr Louis Loi (Asst parish priest), who had just returned from visiting the martyrs’ shrine in Korea, told the congregation the story of Sts Chastan and Imbert who sacrificed their lives for the faith and were martyred in Korea. Both of them had taught at College General in Penang. Chastan from 1828 to 1830 and Imbert from 1821 to 1822. Jacques Chastan was also the 4th parish priest of the Church of the Immaculate Conception from 1830 to 1833. Fr Louis also showed slides of the persecution tools used to torture and execute Christians. He explained that the crosses we bear are thorns that help us recognise that we need Christ.

On the second day, Fr Dominic Santhiyagu (parish priest) related the “call” to our vocation which St Paul talks about in Ep 4: 1-7, 11-13.When Jesus calls, we respond to the call in different ways — some are called to be disciples, pastors and teachers but we must be worthy of our vocation. He said that the respondent becomes worthy of the call by loving God. It is a process of love which begins with friendship. As friends of Jesus, we need to listen to him. Then we move on to become his disciples, we need to be obedient by keeping his commandments. Next, we respond to our call as apostles of Jesus with the mission of Jesus (Mat 28: 19).With this mission, we encourage others that Jesus is truly active and alive — be enablers to make things possible (Mat 28: 19-20).Then, from mission, we move on to ‘new evangelisation’ — rekindling the fire in those who are lagging in the faith or have distanced themselves.

On the third day, Msgr James Gnanapragasam preached on Mission. He drew similarities on the lives of Bishop Oscar Romero, Jesus and Sts Chastan and Imbert. He said that all of them were called to a mission of peace but it soon turned into a mission on the path to persecution. Bishop Oscar Romero was conservative and traditional when he was first appointed as Archbishop of El Salvador. A string of events transformed him into a radical person in support of the liberation of the people and who voiced out against the atrocities and terrorisation of the people. Jesus chose 12 apostles to carry out his mission in peace — to preach, heal and deliver. However, in Matthew 10:28, the scene changes and Jesus says to his apostles “do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body.” Here, he said that Jesus is warning the apostles of their mission that entails persecution. Similarly, Jacques Chastan and Imbert left France to preach in Penang and were martyred in Korea. Our mission, said Monsignor James, is to give witness.

On the feastday, Msgr James narrated the subway story on paradigm shift: A man’s perception changed and he began to think differently after hearing the story told to him. Paradigm shift, Msgr James explained is when there is a complete reversal of what we have been talking about or thinking.

Jesus makes a paradigm shift too, he said. Jesus had just transfigured himself and was talking about the suffering he has to endure but the disciples were preoccupied with their own discussion on who among them was the greatest. Jesus then embraces a child and says that the greatest among them is the least among them (Mark 9: 30-37).

Msgr James added that the ‘new evangelisation’ calls us on a mission to reach out to the outside world. It is to reach out to Catholics who have fallen away. Many say they are spiritual but do not have religion. The only way we can reach out to them is to be like children, happy and joyful to have embraced Christ. He urged the congregation to spend time with fellow Catholic friends and not to come to church with a mournful look. He said be cheerful and reach out.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

After eleven years of planning, fundraising and building, the parishioners of the Church of St Francis of Assisi (SFA), finally witnessed the dedication of their newly built Church and community centre on Oct 4. It was also the Feast of St Francis of Assisi and the 25th sacerdotal ordination anniversary of Fr Paul Cheong OFM Cap.

Accompanied by the beating of drums (Chinese and India culture), kompang and the blowing of the Jewish horn (shofar), Archbishop Julian Leow led the procession from the Chapel of Portiuncula to the main entrance of the church at 7.00pm. At the entrance of the church, a member of the building steering committee, Michael Ong and the architect, Don Cheong, handed over the legal documents and the keys to the church to the archbishop. Archbishop Leow gave the keys to the parish priest Fr Andrew Manickam OFM cap to unlock the door. Once the door was opened, Archbishop Leow invited everyone to enter.

In his homily, Archbishop Leow said that the faithful would have an overdose of signs and symbols reflecting the order of Mass. He congratulated the priest and people for the completion of the new building, which was a source of joy. He then reminded them that now it was time to build the community

The rite of dedication began with the litany of supplication, followed by the rite of the anointing of the altar and church walls with the Sacred Chrism. This was followed by the incensing, lighting and dressing of the altar in preparation for the Eucharist.

After Holy Communion, the faithful witnessed the Inauguration of the Tabernacle. The candles and oil lamps near the tabernacle were then lit, symbolising the presence of Christ.

The chairman of the organising committee, Chris Tan, in his speech thanked everyone who was involved and worked tirelessly day and night to ensure the day went on smoothly.

The Church of SFA has grown from a humble chapel in 1964 to this majestic building in 2018. The Indian friars first came to Malaya at the invitation of Bishop Michel Olcomendy. They continued their stay in the Kuala Lumpur Diocese at the request of Bishop Dominic Vendargon. Their mission — to preach to the Tamil-speaking community living in the estates and peripheries. Fr Michael Raymond OFM Cap, Custos, Malaysia Custody shared this in his speech.

He also highlighted the presence of the Indian friars, Fr Jonathan who served in Archdiocese and Fr Mariadass who was the second parish priest.

“The idea for the building first started with Fr Joe Matthews OFM Cap, continued on with Fr Valentine Gompok OFM Cap and is now completed through Fr Andrew,” explained Fr Michael.

Jubilarian Fr Cheong in his speech said, “Twenty-five years ago, in a small and simple church, I was ordained a priest by the then Archbishop Soter Fernandez. Today, I celebrate 25 years as a priest in a totally new, big church.

“I am grateful that I still find deep meaning, purpose, joy and fulfilment in my priestly life and ministry,” he added

“My wish now is to make meditation the central activity of my life. According to the teachings of John Main, meditation is the way to simplicity, to poverty of spirit and to purity of heart. For only the pure of heart can see God.

‘’It is my fervent desire that the external beauty of this church will lead us to simple desire and cultivate this inner beauty and freedom of simplicity. The inner beauty of poverty of spirit, the inner beauty of simplicity and the inner beauty of purity of heart. Everything we do must lead to the purity of the heart. That is my desire and I wish the same for you,” said Fr Cheong at the end of his speech.

“It is not only the building that makes the church, all of you that fill this sacred space are the Church. Let us always remember to build communities who are faithful to God. To build our nation through our efforts to strengthen the bonds of unity not just within Catholics or Christians of all faiths,” said Archbishop Leow.

“I believe this is the role SFA can play, to lead the way in interreligious dialogue, to help build harmony in Malaysia and beyond borders, to be an example for others. Malaysia boleh,” he added.

Also present at the celebration were YB Dr Jeyakumar Xavier, Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources, Dato’ Sri Dr Edmund Santhara Segamat MP, pastors, leaders of other faiths, clergy and religious brothers and sisters.

To commemorate the event, a 240-page souvenir magazine is on sale. Those interested to purchase a copy can contact the parish office at 016-3258236.

SFA has six first class relics
“We have waited two years since the consturction and it is great to see everything fall into place today. Thank you all for your hard work and perseverance,” said parish priest Fr Andrew Manickam OFM Cap.

“Thanks to the prayers of our parishioners and several benefactors, we have also been blessed with six first class relics during our two-year hiatus, two of which we have placed in the altar table at the Chapel of Portiuncula (Blessed Angelo) and also in the main altar in the church (St Francis of Assisi),” added Fr Andrew.

The celebration on October 4 began at 3.00pm with the veneration of SFA’s four first class relics; St Francis of Assisi, St Pio of Pietrelcina, St John Paul II and St Theresa of Kolkata.

Then, Fr Eugenio Juanilo Lopez, Minister Provincial of the Capuchins blessed the St Francis of Assisi Community Centre. This five story building consists of a multi-purpose hall, parish office, 14 classrooms, several meeting rooms and the dormitories which can house 66 beds. This same building is also where the Chapel of Portiuncula is located on Level 1.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Whenever I bring up the topic of interfaith dialogue, many people assume that they must be held in a formal setting with expert speakers and working papers.

In reality, interfaith dialogue can informally take place among ordinary Malaysians. As for myself, I always enjoy having simple but meaningful conversations with my Chinese neighbour, especially during weekends.

Pursuant to the interfaith dialogue, we get to know each other better. Sometimes I give him keropok lekor to cook for his family. During the Chinese New Year celebration, I would give him cakes or fruits.

Reciprocating the adab (courtesy), he would give me kampung chicken. It is the most meaningful present that I get from him. But the chickens are not to be eaten, as I keep them for my therapeutic exercise. And yes, chickens make great pets too!

Malaysia is indeed a beautiful and blessed country. With an estimated population of 32 million people of different races, religions, cultures and languages, Malaysia has, time and time again, proven to be a truly peaceful country.

Of course, when there exist such differences, there would also be gaps in understanding those differences. This may result in some tension and conflict.

Interestingly, although religion can be the reason for such interfaith tension and conflict, religion itself is the key to ending it.

In fact, interfaith dialogue has been in existence since time immemorial. It has been practised even before the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

It is mentioned in the Quran that interfaith dialogue took place during the time of the previous prophets with their people such as Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), Prophet Musa (Moses), Prophet Nuh (Noah), Prophet Hud (Eber), Prophet Shu’ayb (Jethro) and Prophet Saleh (peace and blessings be upon them all).

The Quran insists that the world’s beauty lies in its racial and religious plurality, otherwise God would not have created such diversity.

God states in the Quran: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other).” (Chapter 49, Al-Hujerat: verse 13)

The existence of multi-religious communities is also recognised in the Quran: “If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues.” (Chapter 5, Al-Maidah: verse 48)

I am of the view that the key to controlling it is through tolerance and understanding in the form of interfaith dialogues, the purpose of which is to engage between parties and collaborate on common issues.

With such a platform, parties can peacefully exchange information and share experiences to bridge the gap between differences and understand the philosophy of each religion and its rituals. This can, in turn, increase trust and respect between parties.

I truly believe that interfaith dialogues are necessary today. They are never about defeating the other party in a debate. There is no need to discuss polemical arguments which ignore our country’s peaceful history.

We must also abstain from arguing, attacking or disproving the beliefs of other religions. We must strive to increase mutual understanding and trust, and at the same time be full of adab.

I normally adopt these simple adab when conversing with people of other faiths:

–Forced conversions are not condoned;
— Followers of all religions are free to lead lives in accordance with their own beliefs; and
— Respecting the values inherent in all religions, especially patience and tolerance.

Believe me, life is too short to be spent quarrelling among ourselves over petty matters. 

(Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri, the Mufti of the Federal Territories)

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PENANG: Close to 1,000 parishioners of the Church of the Immaculate Conception came on Sept 16 to bid farewell to their two beloved priests — Msgr Michael Cheah and Fr Nelson Joseph — who are both being transferred to Alor Setar, Kedah, with effect from October 1, 2018.

Msgr Cheah served in the parish for eight years and will be leaving many footprints in the hearts of the people through his kind and firm ways and for the various infrastructure upgrades and new parish centre project he helmed. He was also instrumental in enhancing many liturgical and spiritual aspects of the parish.

Fr Nelson Joseph, whose stint as assistant parish priest was for only a year, has touched many lives through his outreach, personal interactions and for enriching the spiritual lives of the parishioners.

The affection for both priests was apparent as everyone was jostling for photos with the two and bidding them warm goodbyes.

Parish Council Chairman David Sivapatham’s speech highlighted both the personal side of Msgr Cheah viz. as an avid fan of the EPL club Arsenal FC, and his life as a parish priest with the many contributions he made to uplift the spiritual and cultural lives of his parishioners.

This included exposure to cultural experiences like concerts, making reverence for the liturgy a priority and also organising retreats and pilgrimages, revamping the church choirs and the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, and bringing parishioners together through Parish Day events.

Fr Nelson, meanwhile, was commended for introducing the concept of sacred silence into the Eucharistic celebrations and for the spiritual advice given to the youths during his brief stint in the parish.

In his address, Fr Nelson said his time in the parish had marked a full circle, as he had served in all the states under the Penang Diocese. He expressed his happiness at being in the parish and was looking forward to continue working again as a team with Monsignor Cheah.

Speaking straight from the heart and not mincing his words, Msgr Cheah confessed that the initial years in the parish were challenging ones but his stint has now come to be regarded as having served in “one of the best parishes,” thanks to the parishioners and their willingness to respond and cooperate.

“Continue the good work in the parish especially in liturgy and pastoral work and always place reverence to God as a priority, along with your generosity of friendship. “My eight years in the parish here have been very happy ones. Please extend the same brand of support and love to your next parish priest,” he added.

As the parish readies to welcome its new parish priest, Fr Jude Miranda, we thank both Msgr Cheah and Fr Nelson for their gifts of guidance, unfailing support and love to each one of us.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Parish of St Anthony bid farewell to their parish priest, Fr Francis Xavier Selvarajoo, with a dinner organised by the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). Fr Francis Xavier has served in the parish of St Anthony as the parish priest for six years and will be transferred to a new parish in Kangar, Perlis where he will be the first resident parish priest.

The parishioners thanked Fr Francis for the changes he had made. One example is the introduction of “24 hours with the Lord” where the parishioners were able to spend quality time with the Lord through spiritual exercises, Bible reading, reflection, and prayers. The Liturgical committee and parishioners also learnt a lot from him, especially how to prepare for Mass.

Masses became more meaningful when Fr Francis began preparing the weekly commentary. He would also explain the celebration or event to allow all parishioners to understand the significance of the Mass.

The Indonesians also benefitted from Fr Francis as he was very concerned in their spiritual life, preparing them to receive the sacraments. He took time to visit them at the different plantations and celebrated Masses for them on a monthly basis. He also helped them to grow in their faith by inviting missionaries from Indonesia to reach out to them.

In his farewell speech, Fr Francis shared his dream to write and publish books in the near future. The parishioners of Teluk Intan will continue to pray for Fr Francis as he begins to build “the little corners of heaven” in the north side of Peninsular Malaysia.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

SANDAKAN: Thirty members of BEC St Teresa of Calcutta, Taman Indah Jaya, embarked on a fiveday spiritual pilgrimage to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from Sept 11 to 16 with Sr Appollonia Gumpu, FSIC as the Spiritual Advisor. Prior to their departure to Vietnam, members prepared themselves spiritually through a three-day novena prayer.

The BEC of St Teresa of Calcutta, Sandakan was formed in 2010 with some 30 active families. Since its inception, the members have made two local pilgrimages (Diocese of Keningau and St Anne, Bukit Mertajam, Penang) and an overseas pilgrimage to Manila, the Philippines. This year, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam was selected as their destination through the assistance from the Vietnam IFFAsia alumni (Institute of Formation Fondacio). IFFAsia is based in the Philippines, an international Catholic Institution committed to training Christian youth leaders from across Asia on pastoral work.

Over the course of the five days, we visited seven Catholic pilgrimage sites: Churches, Saigon Archbishop’s Residence and Pastoral Centres with significant historical and architectural values. We visited the famous iconic statue of Christ the King standing on Mount Nho in V?ng Tàu, Bà R?a–V?ng Tàu Province, ?ông Nam B?, about a two and a half hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnam Catholic Association built the statue in 1974 and it was completed in 1993; stands 170 metres above sea level. The statue itself is 32-metres high, and has 18.4-metre arms. As for the Catholic Churches, we visited the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Parish Church of Son Loc, Parish of Thanh Le (Fatima Binh Trieu), Parish Church of Hanh Tong Tay, the Archbishop’s Residence where the oldest chapel with its unique traditional architecture is located and the Saigon Pastoral and Seminary Centre.

We were particularly impressed by the Catholics in Vietnam for their effort in faith upbringing of their young. On one particular visit, we attended Mass specifically catered for the children. Their teachers were all from the Eucharistic Youth Movement and each time the children attended Mass or activity, they would be awarded with a point in the form of coupons. The coupons collected could be redeemed with tokens as a kind of incentive and appreciation for their participation. In another parish, we witnessed how the International Young Catholic Students organised the children’s faith formation not only with catechesis but with activities. During the encounter with the youth, we had the opportunity to participate in their programme with a ‘Bungkau’ performance and our Sabah popular dance, Sumazau where the youth and kids joined us on the floor. In our response to their warm reception and hospitality, souvenirs were given by our BEC Chairman John Tan as a sign of appreciation.

The faith and religious practice among the Vietnamese believers is very much alive. This could be seen from the attendance of the faithful during the morning mass in Notre Dame Cathedral. We were impressed by the great devotion of the local Catholics when we joined in their sunset Mass in Fatima Binh Trieu Church. It is a huge two-storey building which can easily accommodate 3,000 parishioners and it was fully packed.

The group had the opportunity to visit the orphanage in Mai Tam House of Hope in Saigon, a HIV/ AIDS Pastoral Care Center, the only facility of its kind in Ho Chi Minh City run by a Catholic Priest and volunteers. Fr John Toai, the founder, briefed us on the pastoral work of the centre which at present houses 80 HIV infected children.

Mai Tam House of Hope is a nongovernmental organisation that receives no funding from the government. However, since its founding in 2005, the centre has received international recognition for its work of love and compassion. Despite getting grants and donations from overseas, the centre remains underfunded and without self-sustaining income. Apart from the spiritual pilgrimage, we also took the opportunity to understand the Vietnamese way of life, their culture and their history by visiting places like the Mekong Delta, War Remnant Museum and the Presidential Palace.

For many of us, we knew little about Vietnam. We used to know Vietnam as a war-torn country but after setting foot here, we realised that Vietnam is fast developing. Coming to Vietnam, we saw it as a place where the Christian faith is flourishing, as can be seen in their effort in nurturing a strong faith among the young.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The minister in charge of Islamic affairs today hit out at Indian Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik, saying his combative style of propagating the religion by putting down other beliefs is not suitable for Malaysia.

Mujahid Yusof Rawa said Naik, who has sought refuge in Malaysia amid an investigation by Indian authorities, has a penchant for insulting other religions.

“We don’t want a debate that ridicules others. We need a more intellectual and composed method of Islamic propagation, without the need to ridicule other religions,” he said in his speech to launch a seminar today on Islam and the challenges in a multiracial society.

Naik is accused of giving provocative speeches, which were cited as a reason by Bangladesh for an attack in

Dhaka in 2016 which left 22 people dead. India’s National Investigation Agency is also investigating Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation over allegations of money laundering.

Naik has denied the charges, saying he is a victim of the Indian media, whom he accuses of sensationalising the issue in their quest to get a bigger audience.

The 52-year-old televangelist, who was close to leaders of the previous government and was granted Malaysian permanent resident status, is fighting attempts to have him deported.

Mujahid said that as the minister in charge of Islamic affairs, he was also responsible for defending the rights of other religions.

He said Islamic missionary work in the past was successful because it did not attack other beliefs.

“When has Islam been spread by insulting other religions? If Islam is compassionate, there is no need for insults,” he added.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

PENANG: The Penang Diocesan Prison Ministry (PDPM) has come a long way since its inception in 2014. Within the last four years, it has increased its Outreach from one prison in Penang to the current nine prisons in the states of Penang, Kedah, Perlis, Perak and Kelantan. More recruitment drives throughout the Penang Diocese have also seen more commissioning ceremonies. The most recent was conducted at St Joseph’s Church in Batu Gajah, where over 21 Faith Sharers/New Members, from five Parishes in Perak, were commissioned and sent by Fr Edmund Woon on July 22, 2018.

The Commissioning Ceremony was followed by a one day empowerment-formation, by discerning How Mother Mary’s and St Paul’s ‘YES’ brought lifetime blessings for them and how that same Spirit of ‘YES’ can bring Prison Ministry members positive transformation.

It was conducted in Mandarin, Tamil and English by Benedict Savarimuthu and his wife, Teresa Sinnapan, of the Catholic Prison Fellowship Association (CPFA) of the KL Archdiocesan Prison Ministry, with Mandarin translation being done simultaneously by Jeanne Saw from the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Penang.

Participants expressed that the Sessions helped them “understand the significance of their calling to serve prisoners and free them from their inner bondages”. Others said that “they realised the need to become more and more Word-rooted and Spirit-led and that involvement in this ministry can bring out their hidden potential, particularly in improving their communication, presentation and counselling skills”.

Similar programmes were held at the Church of St Anthony in Nibong Tebal, in Tamil on Aug 18, followed by another in English on Aug 19, at the Cathedral of The Holy Spirit in Penang. Both were also conducted by Ben and Teresa. Those present, which also included some who were interested in joining the Prison Ministry, received various new Insights into Tapping St Paul’s and Mother Mary’s “YES”, to bring about greater intimacy with the Trinity.

As part of its continued expansion programme, the PDPM has also begun the trial phase of its Freedom House Project since April 9, 2018, where fortnightly programmes are conducted to re-connect ex-prisoners with their families and help them re-enter society. This is coordinated by the PDPM Outreach Team, operating from St Francis Xavier’s Church via collaboration with The Light House in Penang.

Those interested in joining the PDPM can get in touch with Anthony Andrews, the PDPM Chairman at 019-5781541 or the Ministry’s Desk at the Diocese’s Office.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: The Family Life Ministry of Church of Jesus Caritas organised a one-day formation on September 8 titled The 5 Love Languages. The formation catered for senior married couples, young married couples, couples preparing for marriage, single adults, single again and the youth.

With the advancement of smart phone technology and social media, effective interpersonal communication has diminished.

In light of this, Dr Gary Chapman, the author of The 5 languages of Love, found that each individual responds to different love languages.

They are 1) Words of Affirmation, 2) Quality Time, 3) Receiving Gifts, 4) Acts of Service and 5) Physical Touch. Dr Gary Chapman firmly believes that each person has one primary and one secondary love language, and he theorises that people tend to give love in the way they prefer to receive love.

The formation was conducted by the Family Life Ministry of the Church of the Assumption: Basil and Martina D’Rozario, Josephine Fonseka, Allan Lee, led by Joseph and Anita Pragasam who are also the Chair Couple for Archdiocesan Family Life Commission.

Parish priest Fr Michael Chua, in his opening address and words of encouragement, mentioned “Love is a Sacrifice,” quoting St Theresa of Calcutta.

In identifying their own Love Language, the participants completed a self-assessment test, which varied for different categories of individuals like husbands, wives, singles adults and teens. Upon completion of the profile assessment, with the knowledge of our own primary love language, that of our spouse, children and those we are in relationship with, effective communication based on their Love Language is deepened. The presenters also mentioned that for a person to be well and happy, there is an “emotional love tank” within each of us that needs to be filled.Happy moments, affirmation and acts of service fill up our love tanks. However, when someone has hurt us either by their actions or words, then our emotional love tanks are depleted or run dry. Therefore, it is important to keep our love tanks filled.

Participants were divided into six groups and everyone shared their own stories based on questions provided. It was very insightful to listen to others’ experiences which may differ from ours, and be able to look at a situation from a different perspective. The presenters then came to join the groups to help and explain some of the questions.

There were many stories shared.The presenters too shared their personal experiences and stories about how they have changed after knowing their spouses’ primary and secondary love language. Such changes will definitely strengthen any relationship. To quote Mae West: ‘It’s not what you say, but how you say it’. Some words may be misinterpreted by the tone and mannerism in which it is conveyed, causing many misunderstandings. It is beautiful to see how praising words, compliments and words of affection can change our perception and understanding of the other person when the person’s Love Language is Words of Affirmation.

Looking at our own personal profile, we now know how we will express ourselves to our loved ones as well as understanding what their love language is. This was a very enriching formation and it has brought to the attention of many participants the realisation to change the way of conveying their love in their relationships. Many relationships will blossom because more love is shared and God has shown us a new way to better understand our loved ones.

At the end of the formation, all participants left with a deeper understanding of their own Love Language. The participants also practised the Language of Love of Physical Touch, hugging each other goodbye, and thanking the presenters for the lessons learnt. All participants left with big and happy smiles.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KUALA LUMPUR: Pope Francis has called on Catholics everywhere to pray, fast and make réparation for the sins of clerical abuse that is hurting the Church and her mission.

In line with this, the Catholic Bishops of Malaysia have released a Pastoral Letter pertaining to the Prayer Intentions for the month of October.

See below  for the letter in full

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The month of October is traditionally our month of praying the Rosary. As you gather in your homes and neighbourhoods or BECs, let us pray with the Universal Church for the intentions of the Holy Father. “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 Cor 12:26).

Pope Francis has called on Catholics everywhere to pray, fast and make réparation for the sins of clerical abuse that are hurting the Church and her mission.

Our Church in Malaysia is part of the universal Body of Christ and suffers with all the victims. Let us turn to Mary our Mother and Mother of the Church during this month of the Rosary to pray for the purification, healing and renewal of the Catholic Church everywhere, beginning in our own families, parishes and dioceses.

The daily Mass on the last Friday of October 26 will be offered for this intention. Other forms of penance during this month may include personal adoration, acts of charity, acts of sacrifice, acts of piety and corporal and spiritual acts of mercy.

We must implore the mercy of God upon the Church and the world. We remain in communion of prayers with you the People of God.

Issued by the Catholic Bishops of Malaysia on September 26, 2018,
Penang

Most Rev Julian Leow, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur
Most Rev Simon Poh, Archbishop of Kuching
Most Rev John Wong, Archbishop of Kota Kinabalu
Rt Rev Bernard Paul, Bishop of Malacca-Johore
Rt Rev Cornelius Piong, Bishop of Keningau
Rt Rev Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang
Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom, Bishop of Sandakan
Rt Rev Joseph Hii, Bishop of Sibu
Rt Rev Richard Ng, Bishop of Miri

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online